Knowledge matrix utilizing systematic contextual links

ABSTRACT

Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive a search input, select a first cell related to the search input, and display data of the first cell and selectable objects in response to the search input. Each cell defines a way to display a portion of searchable data within a first contextual relationship and a way to display a portion of the searchable data within a second, different contextual relationship. Selection of a first selectable object results in displaying a first portion of the data of the first cell with a first set of other data related to the first portion based upon the first contextual relationship. Selection of a second selectable object results in the computer displaying a second portion of the data of the first cell with a second set of other data related to the second portion based upon the second contextual relationship.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/526,668, filed Aug. 23, 2011, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/527,567, filed Aug. 25, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/541,004, filed Sep. 29, 2011, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD

The various embodiments described herein relate to apparatuses, systems,and methods to display data within various contextual relationships. Inparticular, the embodiments relate to searching and displaying knowledgebased upon systematic contextual views.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE/PERMISSION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthis is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. The following notice applies: Copyright 2012,ContextU, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

BACKGROUND

Students typically study various subjects. For example, students maystudy the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in a firstyear history course, Roman Antiquity in a second year course, and theIndustrial Revolution in a third year course. The students may studythese subjects without a sense of the greater context of the facts thatare the focus of each subject. It is often more useful to know therelationship between facts than to know the facts themselves. Forexample, it is often more informative to know that Mozart was bornbefore Beethoven than to know the date Mozart was born.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive a search input andselect a first cell, within a matrix of cells, that includes datarelated to the search input. Each cell within the matrix includessearchable data and defines a way to display a portion of the searchabledata within a first contextual relationship and a way to display aportion of the searchable data within a second, different contextualrelationship. In response to the search input, the data of the firstcell and a plurality of selectable objects are displayed. Selection of afirst of the plurality of selectable objects results in the displayingof a first portion of the data of the first cell with a first set ofother data related to the first portion based upon the first contextualrelationship. Selection of a second of the plurality of selectableobjects results in the displaying of a second portion of the data of thefirst cell with a second set of other data related to the second portionbased upon the second contextual relationship.

In one embodiment, the first and second contextual relationships areselected from a group comprising of a temporal relationship, a spatialrelationship, a causal relationship, and an inclusion relationship.Temporal relationships refer to relationships between data in time.Spatial relationships refer to geographical relationships between data,which may be shown through maps in two or three dimensions. Causalrelationships refer to cause and effect relationships between data.Inclusion relationships refer to groups in which data is included.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the accompanyingdrawings and from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which likereferences indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cell within a matrix of cells;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary GUI window displaying a root display ofthe matrix of cells;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary GUI window displaying data of a cellwith a plurality of selectable objects to view the subject of the datain varying contextual relationships;

FIG. 4 illustrates the exemplary GUI window displaying the subject ofthe data in a temporal context;

FIG. 5 illustrates the exemplary GUI window displaying the subject ofthe data in additional temporal context;

FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary GUI window displaying the subject ofthe data in a spatial context;

FIG. 7A illustrates the exemplary GUI window displaying the subject ofthe data in a causal context;

FIG. 7B illustrates another exemplary GUI window displaying data of acell with a plurality of selectable objects to view the subject of thedata in varying contextual relationships;

FIG. 7C illustrates the exemplary GUI window of FIG. 7A after performinga zoom operation;

FIG. 8 illustrates the exemplary GUI window displaying the subject ofthe data in an inclusion context;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of displayingdata with systematic contextual views in response to a search input; and

FIG. 10 illustrates, in block diagram form, an exemplary processingsystem to display data with systematic contextual views in response to asearch input.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein utilize a matrix of cells to systematicallyprovide a user with the presentation of knowledge in a plurality ofcontexts. The embodiments present data including persons, events,locations, objects, and concepts and their contextual relationships toother persons, events, locations, objects, and concepts. Exemplarycontextual relationships include temporal relationships, spatialrelationships, causal relationships, and inclusion relationships. Theuse of contextual information may improve user interest, learning,understanding, and retention of facts, concepts, and relationshipstherebetween.

In one embodiment, the content of the matrix of cells is categorizedinto various branches of knowledge and each branch of knowledge isrepresented by an array of cells. For a matrix composed of n-arrays,each array is associated with one particular field or sub-field ofknowledge. The matrix is useful in presenting relationships betweenarrays, as discussed in further detail herein. By way of example, theHistory of the Universe can be related to, for example, Mathematics,Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human History, and Philosophy. Suchrelationships between fields of knowledge provide a user with aninteractive and adaptive perspective on a particular piece of knowledge.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cell 100 within a matrix of cells. Thematrix is an n-dimensional matrix composed of cells of data pertaining,each, to a particular branch of knowledge. The data is contained incells stored as one or more records, e.g., in one or more databases orrelational databases.

The exemplary cell 100 includes a plurality of fields and is relatedto/linked to a plurality of other cells 105-135, as represented by arrowpointers. The exemplary cell 100 includes an address field for a uniqueaddress identifier. In one embodiment, other cells use the addressidentifier to link (e.g., via pointer or other addressing mechanism) tothe exemplary cell 100.

The cell 100 further includes a title field and a type field. The titlefield includes intrinsic attributes, such as a name of a person, event,location, object, or concept, or a short description of the datacontained in the cell 100. The type field is for a data point type.Exemplary data point types include a person, event, location, object, orconcept.

The description field includes descriptive text and serves as thesubstantive description of the data point. For example, if cell 100 is adata point for a person, the description field may include biographicalinformation for that person.

The cell 100 further includes a field for pointers to items within arepresentation bank 140. The representation bank 140 contains graphics,images, audio, and video that can be utilized to illustrate the contentof the cell 100. Exemplary data contained in the representation bank 140includes maps, timelines, portraits, etc. Cells link to data in therepresentation bank 140 using representation pointers or otheraddressing mechanisms. For example, when a map is contained in therepresentation bank 140, pointers to the representation bank 140 may beassociated with one or more sets of coordinates of the map to emphasizecertain features of the map on a display. Additionally, pointers to therepresentation bank 140 may be used to designate a center coordinate anda zoom factor. Such a zoom factor instruction may be relevant whendisplaying a timeline, a map, as well as other views. Other applicationsof a zoom factor will be described in greater detail below.

Cells may utilize different numbers of pointers to the representationbank 140, or no pointers at all, depending upon the content of eachcell. As illustrated, the exemplary cell 100 has two pointers to therepresentation bank 140, while another cell 105 has a single pointer tothe representation bank 140.

The exemplary cell 100 further includes a field for external pointers.External pointers may reference scholarly articles, websites, and otherresources that are external to the matrix of cells. For example, theexternal pointers may include a hyperlink, uniform resource locator(URL), Internet protocol (IP) address, or other external link.

The exemplary cell 100 further includes a field for internal pointers toother cells or arrays within the matrix. The exemplary cell 100 isrelated to a plurality of other cells 105-135, as represented by arrowpointers. Internal pointers define ways for a user to navigate betweencells within the matrix. Navigation through the matrix is, in effect,navigation through the relationships between the facts, events, conceptsand locations that are present in the matrix. The internal pointersprovide a link to access a cell for additional data. For example, if theexemplary cell 100 is a data point for a person, and the descriptionfield includes biographical information for that person including alocation for the person's birthplace, an internal pointer may be used toaccess a cell with more detail regarding that birthplace generally.

Furthermore, contextual relationships are assigned to internal pointers.At least some of the internal pointers are categorized according to oneor more of temporal relationships, spatial relationships, causalrelationships, and inclusion relationships. Examples of these fourcontextual relationship categories of internal pointers will bediscussed herein with reference to FIGS. 2-8. An internal pointer may becategorized under multiple relationships. For example, a single cell mayhave both a causal relationship and an inclusion relationship withanother cell.

In one embodiment, each cell includes internal pointers categorizedunder at least two of these four relationships. For example, each cellwould at least include internal pointers categorized under temporal andspatial relationships (or any of the other five possible combinations oftwo of the four relationships applied to all cells). Cells may also haveinternal pointers categorized under additional categories, as long asall cells at least include internal pointers categorized under the sametwo contextual relationship categories as all other cells. In anotherembodiment, each cell includes at least three of these fourrelationships. For example, each cell would at least include internalpointers categorized under temporal, spatial, and inclusionrelationships. In yet another embodiment, each cell includes internalpointers categorized under all four relationships. The inclusion ofinternal pointers categorized under two, three, or all four contextualrelationships in each cell in the matrix provides a consistent andsystematic presentation of contextual knowledge.

As illustrated, exemplary cell 100 has one temporal pointer to anothercell 135, two spatial pointers to other cells 125 and 130, one causalpointer to another cell 110, and one inclusion pointer to another cell105. Additionally, this other cell 105 has internal pointers to theexemplary cell 100 and to another cell 125.

In one embodiment, when more than one internal pointer is provided for aclass of internal pointers, a user is presented with a choice ofrespective links to the data associated with the internal pointers.Continuing with the aforementioned person and biographical informationexample, the exemplary cell 100 may include a first spatial pointer forthe person's place of birth and a second spatial pointer for anothersignificant location associated with the person.

In one embodiment the internal pointer section further includesparameters indicating how data linked to the cell by the internalpointers should be displayed. Exemplary parameters include codes thatindicate what type of graph, order, color(s), size, highlights, fonts,etc. should be used. Additionally, the parameters may vary based uponthe contextual relationship category or categories associated with thepointer(s).

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) window200 including a root display of the matrix of cells on a computer orother processing device. The root display includes fields and sub-fieldsof knowledge and their relationships displayed in an accessible graph asa point-of-entry to the matrix of cells. For example, the fieldMathematics is related to sub-fields Number Theory and Geometry. Theinterconnected fields of knowledge may fill multiple levels of ahierarchy (e.g., field, sub-field, etc.).

The selectable objects along the left side of the display are referredto herein as buttons 205-230. In one embodiment, the buttons 205-230 areprovided on all screens and the functionality of some of the buttonsbecomes relevant as the user navigates through the matrix. Selection ofa root button 205 returns the user to the root display screen, e.g., asshown in the GUI window 200. Selection of a start point button 210results in the display returning to the start of a current searchthread. This start point can be the original point of entry to thematrix after initiating a search (e.g., the cell displayed in responseto a search), such as the selection of a field or subfield in the GUIwindow 200, through a query entered in the text search box 235, or via atoken (as described further below). Selection of a back button 215results in displaying the previous cell along a user navigation path.Selection of a zoom in button 220 results in zooming in to a portion ofthe matrix or the displayed representation. Selection of a zoom outbutton 225 results in zooming out of the matrix or the displayedrepresentation. In one embodiment, zooming in and out of the matrixshown in GUI window 200 results in the inclusion and exclusion,respectively, of sub-fields and cells at more detailed levels in thematrix. Selection of the settings button 230 provides the user access tosystem settings. As discussed above, the text search box 235 permitsinput of one or more search terms or one or more tokens.

In one embodiment, the screen is touch sensitive, and buttonfunctionalities described above is enabled by finger gestures on thescreen. For example, translation of the display screen in one or moredimensions is results from a one-finger drag. Zooming in/out resultsfrom a two-finger pinch/expansion. Rotation results from a two-fingertwist/drag about an axis. Additionally, a two-finger gesture, with onefinger fixed and another finger dragging, results in a change of axis.

In one embodiment, the root display shown in the GUI display 200includes fields of knowledge linked through interactive “tension” lines.Dragging a box containing a field of knowledge across the GUI display200 results in the “stretching” of a corresponding tension line and, inturn, the movement of fields of connected fields of knowledge. Thisinteractive feature enables a user to manipulate the density of fieldsand subfields of knowledge displayed in a given area of the matrix,e.g., to provide a clear view of a particular portion of the matrix.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary GUI display 300 including data and aplurality of selectable objects to view a portion of the data in varyingcontextual relationships. For example, in FIG. 2, a user has entered“Bach” in the text search box 235. In response to the search, theprocessing device selects the cell within the matrix for JohannSebastian Bach and displays the corresponding data. The GUI display 300represents the original point of entry to the matrix after initiating asearch and, as a user navigates through the matrix, selection of thestart point button 210 results in the display returning to the GUIdisplay 300. The user may navigate through the matrix by selecting aselectable object or selectable data included within the GUI display300.

The following will describe embodiments of the invention using Bach asan example. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to a particulardata point or type of data point.

In one embodiment, the subject main display screen includes the buttons205-230 described above and presents an introduction of the subject infive views. A central element 305 offers an image of the subject, Bach,from the representation bank 140 and descriptive text, e.g., from thedescription field of the cell. In one embodiment, the descriptive textis truncated and includes a selectable link 310 that, when selected,causes the processing device to display the remainder of the descriptivetext (e.g., by expanding the central element or by opening a separateview). Alternatively, a user may use a scroll functionality to view theremainder of the descriptive text within the central element 305.

Around the central element 305, the GUI display 300 includes fourcontextual relationship screens and corresponding selectable objects315-350. The upper-left portion of the GUI display 300 shows a view of atemporal display screen 315 overlaid by a corresponding selectabletemporal display button 320. The upper-right portion of the GUI display300 includes a view of a spatial display screen 325 overlaid by acorresponding selectable spatial display button 330. The lower-leftportion of the GUI display 300 includes a view of a causal displayscreen 335 overlaid by a corresponding selectable causal display button340. The lower-right portion of the GUI display 300 includes a view ofan inclusion display screen 345 overlaid by a corresponding selectableinclusion display button 345. Receipt of user input selecting one of thefour selectable display buttons 320, 330, 340, and 350 results in thecomputer displaying the corresponding contextual view (e.g., asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 4-8). Additionally, in one embodiment,the four contextual display screens 315, 325, 335, and 345 areselectable, the selection causing the computer to display thecorresponding contextual view.

In an alternate embodiment, the GUI display 300 includes only thecontent of the central display element 305 and the selectable displaybuttons 320, 330, 340, and 350 in order to utilize more of the displayfor the descriptive text and representations. In yet another embodiment,the GUI display 300 alternates between the two aforementioned alternatelayouts in response to user selection of the zoom in and zoom outbuttons 220 and 225, in response to an orientation change of the display(e.g., as detected by processing device using an accelerometer), inresponse to a preference elected using the settings button 230, or inresponse to a determined display size.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the GUI display 300 includes fourbuttons in the right margin, opposite the buttons in the left margin205-230, to provide for selection of contextual relationships. The fourbuttons may include labels, e.g., “T” for temporal relationships, “S”for spatial relationships, “C” for causal relationships, and “I” forinclusion relationships, or icons, e.g., a clock face for temporal, aset of axes for spatial, a tree graph for causal, and a Venn diagram forinclusion.

FIG. 4 illustrates the exemplary GUI window 400 displaying the subjectof the data, Bach, in a temporal context. Similar to the descriptionabove, in the right margin, four buttons 320, 330, 340, and 350 allowthe user to select contextual relationship displays for thesubject/portion of the data. In one embodiment, when the temporalcontext is selected, the temporal context button 320 is highlighted.

The temporal context display in the GUI window 400 shows a date timeline415 centered upon the time when Bach lived. The GUI window 400 ispopulated by other data points, e.g., names, events, civilizations,empires, etc., to provide the temporal context around Bach. For example,the GUI window 400 shows that Bach's life overlapped with the lives ofNewton and Handel. A user may select another data point to move from thecurrent subject, Bach, to another subject, e.g., Newton.

In one embodiment, the other data points that provide temporal contextare organized into multiple timelines. For example, a timeline of eventsin science 405 and a timeline of events in the humanities 410 are shownat the top of the GUI window 400. The present data point, Bach, isincluded within a personalities timeline 420. In one embodiment, thedata points are colored or labeled to indicate a relevant field to whichthey belong. A timeline of major periods 425 is shown at the bottom ofthe GUI window 400.

In one embodiment, the zoom buttons 220 and 225 (or equivalent zoomcommands) decrease and increase, respectively, the length in timedisplayed in the GUI window. Additionally, or alternatively, zooming inand zooming out decreases and increases, respectively, the number oftimelines displayed. Additionally, or alternatively, zooming in andzooming out adds and removes, respectively, data points within anaffected portion of the timeline. For example, zooming in upon the18^(th) century may provide the opportunity to include additionalpersonalities, events, etc. that are not displayed when zoomed out to atimeline that spans the 16^(th)-20^(th) centuries. In one embodiment,the inclusion or exclusion of data points is determined based uponavailable display space and relative importance, popularity, relevance,etc. (as described in greater detail below).

The exemplary timelines are illustrated as having a linear scale. Whenappropriate, timelines may be illustrated along a logarithmic scale. Forexample, a logarithmic scale would be beneficial for the history of theuniverse, starting 13.7 billion years ago at the “Big Bang”, and endingin the far future, with an asymptotically cold universe. Employing alogarithmic scale facilitates the visualization of events at the verybeginning on the universe that occurred within a tiny fraction of second(10⁻⁴³ to 10² seconds after time began) together with events thatoccurred billions of years later, such as the formation of the solarsystem (˜4.6 billion years ago), the emergence of life (˜3.8 billionyears ago), and the rise of homo sapiens (˜200,000 years ago).

FIG. 5 illustrates the exemplary GUI window 500 displaying additionaltemporal context for Bach. In one embodiment, the content of theexemplary GUI window 500 is displayed upon scrolling down from the GUIwindow 400 described with reference to FIG. 4. Alternatively, thecontent of the exemplary GUI window 500 is displayed in response tozooming out (e.g., using the zoom out button 225). The functionality ofthe various buttons 205-230 and 320-350 follows the description abovewith reference to FIG. 4.

In one embodiment the date timeline 415 remains visible regardless ofthe amount of scrolling. For example, when scrolling down, the datetimeline 415 may reach the top of the GUI window 400 shown in FIG. 4 andremain locked there as the user scrolls into the GUI window 500 shown inFIG. 5.

Similar to the description above, various timelines are displayed toprovide temporal context for the subject of the present data point,Bach. The exemplary GUI window 500 includes period timelines 425 and 510for art and cultural periods. The exemplary GUI 500 also includestimelines 505 and 515 depicting the ebb and flow of empires andcivilizations.

FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary GUI window 600 displaying the subjectof the present data point, Bach, in a spatial context. The functionalityof the various buttons 205-215, 230, and 320-350 follows the descriptionabove. In one embodiment, when the spatial context is selected, thespatial context display button 330 is highlighted.

The spatial context display in the exemplary GUI window 600 includes amap of 17th-18th century Europe in which Bach lived. In one embodiment,spatial data related to the subject of the present data point isincluded in the spatial context display. For example, Eisenach, Bach'sbirthplace, is predominately displayed. Other spatial points of interestmay also be displayed to indicate other locations relevant to Bach'slife. In one embodiment, the spatial context display includes dates andthe geographical reach of the empires at the time of Bach. In yetanother embodiment, the spatial context display includes geographicalpoints of interest relevant to other personalities, events, etc., suchas the birthplaces of other great composers.

Similar to the discussion above, user selection of the data pointsdisplayed in the exemplary GUI window 600 causes the computer tonavigate to the subject matter of the selected data point. For example,selection of Eisenach would result in navigating to the cell andcorresponding displays for the town of Eisenach.

In one embodiment, the zoom buttons 220 and 225 (or equivalent zoomcommands) decrease and increase, respectively, the range of thedisplayed map. Likewise, a translation of the map (e.g., by scrolling)would reveal other areas to the north, east, south and west.Alternatively, or additionally, zooming in and zooming out adds andremoves, respectively, data points within an affected portion of themap. In one embodiment, the inclusion or exclusion of data points isdetermined based upon available display space and relative importance,popularity, relevance, etc. (as described in greater detail below).

In one embodiment, the spatial context display includes a threedimensional (3D) map. For example, the illustration of a galaxy wouldbenefit from the use of a 3D map. In addition to panning and zooming, a3D map would further include controls to rotate about an axis. Forexample, an additional button (not shown) or touch gesture may be usedto implement rotation within 3D space.

FIG. 7A illustrates the exemplary GUI window 700 displaying the subjectof the present data, Bach, in a causal context. The functionality of thevarious buttons 205-215, 230, and 320-350 follows the description above.In one embodiment, when the causal context is selected, the causalcontext display button 340 is highlighted.

In one embodiment, the causal data points include individuals, artforms, events, etc. influenced by or that influenced the subject of thepresent data. Similar to the discussion above, user selection of thedata points displayed in the exemplary GUI window 700 causes thecomputer to navigate to the subject matter of the selected data point.For example, the causal context display in GUI window 700 provides theuser selectable entry points to Bach's work categories and to generalresults of Bach's influence.

FIG. 7B illustrates exemplary GUI window 706 displaying data of a cellin response to the selection of Influence on later generations 705 inFIG. 7A. Similar to GUI window 300 described above, GUI window 706includes a plurality of selectable objects to view the subject of thedata in varying contextual relationships. Bach's influence on latergenerations serves as central element 710 and includes an image of Bach(e.g., from the representation bank 140) and descriptive text (e.g.,from the description field of the cell). Around the central element 710,the GUI display 706 includes four contextual relationship screens andcorresponding selectable objects 715-730. The upper-left portion of theGUI display 706 shows a view of a temporal display screen 715 overlaidby a corresponding selectable temporal display button 320. Theupper-right portion of the GUI display 706 includes a view of a spatialdisplay screen 720 overlaid by a corresponding selectable spatialdisplay button 330. The lower-left portion of the GUI display 706includes a view of a causal display screen 725 overlaid by acorresponding selectable causal display button 340. The lower-rightportion of the GUI display 706 includes a view of an inclusion displayscreen 730 overlaid by a corresponding selectable inclusion displaybutton 345. Receipt of user input selecting one of the four selectabledisplay buttons 715, 720, 725, and 730 results in the computerdisplaying the corresponding contextual view (e.g., as describedherein). Additionally, in one embodiment, the four contextual displayscreens 715, 720, 725, and 730 are selectable, the selection causing thecomputer to display the corresponding contextual view.

Returning to FIG. 7A, in one embodiment, the zoom buttons 220 and 225(or equivalent zoom commands) decrease and increase, respectively, therange of the displayed temporal range of causal influence.Alternatively, or additionally, zooming affects the focus of the causeand effect relationships. For example, zooming in may focus on thecausal relationship of a single work of Bach rather than a collection ofworks. Alternatively, or additionally, the zooming in and zooming outresults in adding or removing items that served as a cause of orinfluence upon the subject of the present data. For example, zooming outof this screen using the zoom out button 225 would allow the display ofthe influences that mattered to Bach. In one embodiment, the inclusionor exclusion of data points is determined based upon available displayspace and relative importance, popularity, relevance, etc. (as describedin greater detail below).

FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary GUI window 735 resulting fromperforming a zoom operation within GUI window 700 of FIG. 7A. The GUIwindow 735 illustrates a focus on Bach's contrapuntal influence andinfluence on later generations. As a result of the zoom from GUI window700 to GUI window 735, Bach's contrapuntal influence has been expandedto include other composers influenced by Bach's use of contrapuntaltechniques. Additionally, Bach's influence on later generations, inparticular Bach's influence on jazz, has been expanded to include jazzmusicians and composers influenced by Bach.

FIG. 8 illustrates the exemplary GUI window 800 displaying the subjectof the data, Bach, in an inclusion context. The functionality of thevarious buttons 205-215, 230, and 320-350 follows the description above.In one embodiment, when the inclusion context is selected, the inclusioncontext display button 350 is highlighted.

The inclusion display in GUI window 800 includes a list of composers ofwestern classical music, a set to which Bach belongs. Similar to thediscussion above, user selection of the data points displayed in theexemplary GUI window 800 causes the computer to navigate to the subjectmatter of the selected data point. For example, each name in the set ofcomposers can be selected to allow navigation to respective composer.

In one embodiment, the zoom buttons 220 and 225 (or equivalent zoomcommands) decrease and increase, respectively, the number of data pointsto include within a given set. For example, zooming out from thedisplayed 60 composers may result in displaying 100 western classicalmusic composers. Alternatively, or additionally, the zooming in andzooming out result in adding or removing data points based upon temporalconstraints. Alternatively, or additionally, the zooming in and zoomingout result in adding or removing categories within the inclusion contextset. For example, zooming out may result in adding or removing othercategories of music, such as popular or non-western music thatincorporates or is influenced by/related to Bach, or subcategories ofclassical music. In one embodiment, the inclusion or exclusion of datapoints is determined based upon available display space and relativeimportance, popularity, relevance, etc. (as described in greater detailbelow).

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 900 performed bya processing device/computer to display data with systematic contextualviews in response to a search input. At block 905, the device receives asearch input. In one embodiment the search input is received as a textstring entered, e.g., in a text search box 235. Alternatively, thedevice receives a token comprising a barcode, matrix barcode, oralphanumeric string by another means. For example, the device mayreceive a token through cursor selection of a displayed data point(e.g., clicking an Internet address), voice recognition, via a networkconnection, or via a camera/optical scan of a bar code, matrix bar code,or other pattern.

Various methods are envisioned for communicating the token to the user,including printing a token on an item, such as a book, compact disccover, ticket, program, sign, etc. For example, the user may be at aconcert where he is listening to a particular work of Beethoven. Next tothe entry for that work in the printed program, a printed token isprovided (e.g., as a string or as a QR code), which the user can inputinto his device in order to display information about Beethoven from thematrix. Furthermore, the information about Beethoven may be focused uponthat which the publisher of the program desires to bring to theattention of the user.

Broadcasting of tokens may take advantage of transmission throughnetworks, such as the Internet. Tokens can be delivered in concert withthe particular action, event, broadcast, or program being watched,listened to, or otherwise interacted with, such as the concert discussedin the previous example. In one embodiment, the program indicatesaurally that a token is available from a particular Internet address andcan be retrieved via a computer or other device. In yet anotherembodiment, a token is transmitted directly to an individual, e.g., viaemail, messaging, etc.

In one embodiment, at block 910, the device determines if there is morethan one cell related to and found in response to the search input. Forexample, the device may determine that multiple cells are related ifthey each contain a search term in their respective titles and/ordescriptions. If there is more than one cell related to the searchinput, the device displays selectable points of view to resolve theambiguity in the search input at block 915. The points-of-view offeredto the user are associated with respective cells or arrays determined tobe relevant to the subject searched. Exemplary points-of-view includefield/sub-field categorization, cell type, cell title, or a portion ofcell description. At block 920, the device receives input to select apoint of view.

For example, searches for “J. S. Bach” or “Maxwell's equations,” thedata related to these topics may not lend itself to being viewed fromvarious points-of-view, and thus the user may not be provided with anoption to select a point-of-view for those searches. A search forwarfare, however, may benefit from being viewed from multiplepoints-of-view, as warfare can be seen from several vantage points:historical, ethical, religious, etc. If the device determines thatmultiple cells are related to warfare, the user is prompted to select apoint-of-view, e.g., via selectable items in a list. This has theadvantages of (1) giving the user an immediate grasp of the fact that atheme invokes more than just one discipline, and (2) allowing the systemto reveal relationships that are predicated by the selectedpoint-of-view. The point-of-view acts as a meta-relation.

At block 925, in response to determining that there is not more than onecell related to the search input, or in response to receiving aselection of a point of view, the device selects a cell related to thesearch input. In an alternate embodiment, the device proceeds to block925 from block 905 without considering points-of-view. At block 930, thedevice displays data of the cell in response to the search input.Additionally, the device displays at least two selectable contextualrelationships. For example, in response to a search for Bach, the deviceselects the cell within the matrix for Johann Sebastian Bach anddisplays the corresponding data, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

A token functions as a pointer to a particular cell, as discussed withreference to FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the token defines a contextualrelationship view to be displayed. For example, in response to a searchfor Bach, the device selects the cell within the matrix for JohannSebastian Bach and displays the corresponding data in a contextual asindicated by the token, as illustrated in any of FIGS. 2-8. The input ofa token causes the retrieval of a predetermined matrix view whichprovides a visual perspective on, e.g., Beethoven's time in a musicperiod timeline, which may indicate that the work in question is part ofthe Romantic Period and that this period comes after the Baroque andClassical Periods, and precedes the Late- and Post-Romantic Periods.

In one embodiment, the token defines the part and scope of the matrixthat is to be displayed on the screen. For example, an unrestricted usercan zoom-out to visualize the entire music timeline, as far back as32,000 years ago when the first recovered musical instruments were madeand continuing through present day. If the token defines a limitedscope, however, the user may be restricted from zooming out beyond,e.g., the Renaissance through Romantic Period. In one embodiment, thetoken also defines the initial zoom magnification, spatial orientation,or scroll position of the GUI window displayed in response to the searchinput.

Alternatively, or additionally, the defined scope may limit the userfrom selecting one or more data points, selecting one or more contextualviews, navigating beyond a predetermined number or set of links to othercells, navigating outside of a predetermined set of cells, or navigatingbetween fields/sub-fields, depending on the perspective the tokengenerator wishes to convey to the user who receives and uses the token.Such limitations of scope enable a teacher, e.g., to keep students frombecoming distracted by off-topic subject matter.

In yet another embodiment, the defined scope may limit the level ofdetail presented to the user, set a vocabulary level, or otherwisetailor the presentation of data to the situation or audience. Forexample, a grade school student may benefit from the presentation of acell within a discipline of science at an introductory level while acollege student would benefit from a deeper dive into the same subject.

In an additional embodiment, the defined scope provides a subject-basedlimitation on and/or starting point for the subject of the search input.For example, a token may result in a limited view or initial focus upona particular genre of the Beethoven's work, such as symphonies, ratherthan the other genres in which he composed. If unrestricted, the usermay zoom-out to view the classification other genres (concertos,preludes, etc.).

In one embodiment, one or more of user preferences provide a scope orinitial view of the displayed cell data. For example, using defaultsettings or the settings button 230, a user can benefit from preferencessuch as education level, initial contextual view, initial zoom level,display characteristics (such as font size), restrictions upon selectingone or more data points, restrictions upon selecting one or morecontextual views, restrictions upon navigating beyond a predeterminednumber or set of links to other cells, restrictions upon navigatingoutside of a predetermined set of cells, or restrictions upon navigatingbetween fields/sub-fields. Such preferences would include the ability tofocus on narrow or wide temporal, spatial, causal, or inclusionrelations. In one embodiment, one or more of the user preferences areoverridden by views or scope preferences defined by a token.Alternatively, the user preferences are not overridden by views or scopepreferences defined by a token. Such preferences may also be overriddenthrough an adaptive learning system, described below. In one embodiment,the user selects which preferences may be overridden by tokens or theadaptive learning system.

After having used the system for a period of time, the system can builda table of tokens, or another data structure, that reflects the historyof what has been displayed to the user, how it was displayed, and onwhat the user has focused. Additionally, the processing device may usethe history to automatically determine the user's preferred viewingmethod. For example, once a user's history has been compiled to apredetermined level (e.g., number of tokens, during a period of time,etc.), the processing device determines if the use shows more use of aparticular contextual relationship than others for all cells or forcells within particular fields/sub-fields. In one embodiment, the systemuses the history in one of two ways: (1) to prompt the user to view newmaterial, outside of the areas already visited by the user, and (2) toencourage the user to delve deeper into subject matter within the sameareas previously visited.

Likewise, based upon the user's history and preferred method of display,the system can adapt the presentation of initial matrix visualizationentry-points. For example, if the user has navigated the system using amajority of wide temporal timelines, and the user is interested in,e.g., the Woodstock event, the system would initially provide a widetimeline of events surrounding Woodstock (temporal relation) instead ofthe map of the area of Woodstock, N.Y. (spatial relation), the causesand effects of the concert (causal relation), or a list of other majorrock concert events (inclusion relation).

In one embodiment, tokens are received and/or stored in afirst-in/first-out (FIFO) array. The depth of the array may be definedby system default or by the user, giving control on the length of thestored history. Additionally, user-initiated matrix visualizations, viatext entry, link selection, etc., may also be stored as tokens in theFIFO array to permit revisiting recent visualizations. In oneembodiment, the tokens are flagged to indicate whether or not the tokensare user-initiated (e.g., rather than being received from a broadcaster)to distinguish them for retrieval. According to a default setting oruser preference, the device automatically creates an entry in thehistory for each displayed cell, contextual view, zoom level, scroll/panposition of a window, etc., e.g., in response to a user input to changea view. Alternatively, the processing device automatically stores a newhistory token upon the expiration of a timer/counter, e.g., every fewseconds or minutes or at the user's discretion. Using the time-basedautomated token storage, the device may only store a new token if foundto be different from the immediately preceding one.

At block 935, the processing device receives user input. At block 940,the device determines if the input is a selection of a data point withinthe cell. For example, referring to FIG. 8, user selection of anothercomposer (e.g., Chopin), would be determined to be the selection of thedata point for another cell. If the input is a selection of another datapoint, at block 945, the device selects the cell related to the datapoint and, at block 930, displays the corresponding data.

If the input is not a selection of another data point, at block 950, thedevice determines if the input is a selection of a contextualrelationship. If a contextual relationship has been selected, at block955, the device displays a portion of the data of the present subjectmatter with a set of related data based upon the selected contextualrelationship. For example, referring to FIG. 4, Bach, the time Bachlived, and the identification of Bach as a composer, are a portion ofthe data of the cell displayed in response to a search for Bach. Theselection of the temporal contextual relationship displays this portionof the data with one or more timelines of other personalities, events,periods, empires, etc. as they relate to the time Bach lived.

If the input is not the selection of a contextual relationship, at block960, the device determines if the input is a zoom command. If the inputis a zoom command, at block 965, the device alters the display accordingto one or more zoom embodiments discussed above. For example, the devicemay add or remove displayed data points in response to the zoom command,scope limitations, the current contextual relationship, etc.

If the input is not a zoom command, at block 970, the device otherwisedetermines the type of input and processes the input accordingly. Otherexemplary inputs include commands resulting from use of the navigationbuttons 205-215, the settings button 230, the entry of a new searchinput, a request to generate a token or set of tokens, or a request toadd a cell within the matrix or create a new link between two cells.

In one embodiment, the processing device generates one or more tokens inresponse to user input. For example, using an indexing system or othermeans that allows the discrimination between cells and their views withsufficient resolution, the processing device generates a string,address, bar code, or other token in response to a user input. In anadditional embodiment, the processing device generates a token or seriesof tokens for a presentation including multiple views/cells in responseto user input, e.g., the selection of a plurality of tokens from theuser's history (as described above) or by tracking current usernavigation/manipulation of the matrix. In one embodiment, the processingdevice enables or prompts the user to designate scope limitations, apreferred contextual relationship, education level, etc. as discussedabove with reference to display preferences and scope. The user may thentransmit, publish, or otherwise share the generated token(s).

In one embodiment, the user input is a request to add a new cell orlink/contextual relationship between cells. For example, the display mayprovide an input form on a dedicated screen that will allow the input ofnew material or new relationships, which can then be vetted (e.g., by aneditorial board) before being incorporated into the matrix.

As described above, the inclusion or exclusion of data points isdetermined based upon available display space and relative importance,popularity, relevance, etc. In one embodiment, a curator manually setsthe importance or relevance of a data point. Alternatively, theprocessing device employs adaptive learning and monitors usage of thematrix to determine the relative importance, popularity, or relevance.For example, the device determines the number of views of eachparticular cell/data point and/or the contextual relationship/zoom levelview thereof by incrementing counters as a user navigates the matrix. Inone embodiment, the cell 100 includes one more counter fields.Additionally, or alternatively, the device maintains counters for groupsof cells and/or connections between cells. Fields and/or sub-fields(e.g., science/matter & energy/physics/relativity) may each havecounters. Using determined numbers of views of cells as an indication ofimportance, popularity, or relevance, the processing device prioritizeswhich cells to include in a limited display space. When a user zooms inor zooms out of a crowded display, the processing device is able to usethe counters (or manually set values) to maintain important items inview while allowing less important items to fade into the background.Additionally, or alternatively, using determined numbers of traversalsbetween cells, the processing device prioritizes which data points toinclude in a limited display space. For example, if a great number ofusers traverse from a cell for Bach to a cell for Handel, the processingdevice determines that the cell for Handel is of higher importance,popularity, or relevance in a contextual view of Bach. In oneembodiment, the processing device utilizes the counters in an adaptivemanner to determine default contextual views and/or zoom levels forparticular cells. In an additional embodiment, the processing deviceutilizes the counters in combination with the user's history to promptthe user to view new material or to encourage the user to delve deeperinto subject matter within the same areas previously visited, based uponthe importance, popularity, or relevance of a cell/connection to thecell.

Importance/relevance connections are also revealed through indirecttraversals of the matrix. Given two end point cells in the matrix, theprocessing device computes a minimum path between them. A minimum pathis computed, e.g., by traversing all related cells from the start pointand, from these traversed cells, traversing their own related cells, andso on, until the second end point cell has been reached. Each celltraversal increases a counter that is associated with a particular pathand adds the cell address to the traversal search path history to allowthe path to be reconstituted.

In order to keep the search through the matrix within pragmatic bounds,a cell-count maximum is defined by a default or user setting. Thecell-count maximum denotes the maximum number of cells allowed in apath. If, during a search, the cell-count maximum is reached beforereaching the end of the search, the path is abandoned.

The path having the minimum count of traversals between cells may reveala relationship between the cells that, otherwise, may not be a prioriobvious. In one embodiment, paths with a minimum count less than apredetermined number indicate an importance or relevance between cellsthat is included in the determination of which data points to display ata given zoom level or is included to prompt/encourage the user to viewparticular content. Additionally, such a relationship may inform users,such as educators, who wish to illustrate the connections between twoevents, people, places, etc. or a person and a location, or an event anda person, etc. For example, in response to a request for all cellswithin a particular minimum path count (e.g., a default number or userinputted number), the processing device generates a list of cells thatare within the minimum path count of a selected cell.

In one embodiment, each traversed cell can be weighted differently,based on predefined criteria, when calculating the minimum path. Forexample, causal relationships can be given an addend of 1, while allother relationships, including temporal, spatial, and inclusion, can begiven an addend of 1.1, which would reveal connections with a causalrelationship preference.

After processing the other input in block 970, the method 900 optionallyreturns to block 935 to wait for/receive further user input.

FIG. 10 illustrates, in block diagram form, an exemplary processingsystem 1000 to display data with systematic contextual views in responseto a search input. Data processing system 1000 includes one or moremicroprocessors 1005 and connected system components (e.g., multipleconnected chips). Alternatively, the data processing system 1000 is asystem on a chip.

The data processing system 1000 includes memory 1010 which is coupled tothe microprocessor(s) 1005. The memory 1010 may be used for storingdata, metadata, and programs for execution by the microprocessor(s)1005. The memory 1010 may include one or more of volatile andnon-volatile memories, such as Random Access Memory (“RAM”), Read OnlyMemory (“ROM”), a solid state disk (“SSD”), Flash, Phase Change Memory(“PCM”), or other types of data storage. The memory 1010 may be internalor distributed memory.

The data processing system 1000 also includes an audio input/outputsubsystem 1015 which may include a microphone and/or a speaker for, forexample, receiving an aural token, playing back music or other audio,receiving voice instructions to be executed by the microprocessor(s)1005, playing audio notifications, etc. Exemplary voice instructionsinclude search terms and navigation commands.

A display controller and display device 1020 provides a visual userinterface for the user, e.g., GUI windows illustrated in FIGS. 2-8.

The system 1000 also includes one or more input or output (“I/O”)devices and interfaces 1025, which are provided to allow a user toprovide input to, receive output from, and otherwise transfer data toand from the system, e.g., to enter a token, generate a token, navigatethe matrix, etc. These I/O devices 1025 may include a mouse, keypad or akeyboard, a touch panel or a multi-touch input panel, camera, opticalscanner, network interface, modem, other known I/O devices or acombination of such I/O devices. The touch input panel may be a singletouch input panel which is activated with a stylus or a finger or amulti-touch input panel which is activated by one finger or a stylus ormultiple fingers, and the panel is capable of distinguishing between oneor two or three or more touches and is capable of providing inputsderived from those touches to the processing system 1000.

The I/O devices and interfaces 1025 may also include a connector for adock or a connector for a USB interface, FireWire, Thunderbolt,Ethernet, etc. to connect the system 1000 with another device, externalcomponent, or a network. Exemplary I/O devices and interfaces 1025 alsoinclude wireless transceivers, such as an IEEE 802.11 transceiver, aninfrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a wireless cellulartelephony transceiver (e.g., 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G), or another wirelessprotocol to connect the data processing system 1000 with another device,external component, or a network and receive stored instructions, data,tokens, etc.

It will be appreciated that one or more buses, may be used tointerconnect the various components shown in FIG. 10.

The data processing system 1000 may be a personal computer, tablet-styledevice, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone withPDA-like functionality, a Wi-Fi based telephone, a handheld computerwhich includes a cellular telephone, a media player, an entertainmentsystem, or devices which combine aspects or functions of these devices,such as a media player combined with a PDA and a cellular telephone inone device. In other embodiments, the data processing system 1000 may bea network computer, server, or an embedded processing device withinanother device or consumer electronic product. As used herein, the termscomputer, system, device, processing device, and “apparatus comprising aprocessing device” may be used interchangeably with the data processingsystem 1000 and include the above-listed exemplary embodiments.

It will be appreciated that additional components, not shown, may alsobe part of the system 1000, and, in certain embodiments, fewercomponents than that shown in FIG. 10 may also be used in a dataprocessing system 1000. It will be apparent from this description thataspects of the inventions may be embodied, at least in part, insoftware. That is, the computer-implemented methods may be carried outin a computer system or other data processing system in response to itsprocessor or processing system executing sequences of instructionscontained in a memory, such as memory 1010 or other non-transitorymachine-readable storage medium. The software may further be transmittedor received over a network (not shown) via a network interface device1025. In various embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used incombination with the software instructions to implement the presentembodiments. Thus, the techniques are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware circuitry and software, or to any particularsource for the instructions executed by the data processing system 1000.

An article of manufacture may be used to store program code providing atleast some of the functionality of the embodiments described above.Additionally, an article of manufacture may be used to store programcode created using at least some of the functionality of the embodimentsdescribed above. An article of manufacture that stores program code maybe embodied as, but is not limited to, one or more memories (e.g., oneor more flash memories, random access memories—static, dynamic, orother), optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic oroptical cards or other type of non-transitory machine-readable mediasuitable for storing electronic instructions. Additionally, embodimentsof the invention may be implemented in, but not limited to, hardware orfirmware utilizing an FPGA, ASIC, a processor, a computer, or a computersystem including a network. Modules and components of hardware orsoftware implementations can be divided or combined withoutsignificantly altering embodiments of the invention.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. Various embodimentsand aspects of the invention(s) are described with reference to detailsdiscussed herein, and the accompanying drawings illustrate the variousembodiments. The description above and drawings are illustrative of theinvention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.Numerous specific details are described to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However,in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are notdescribed in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of thepresent inventions.

It will be evident that various modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the following claims. For example, the methods describedherein may be performed with fewer or more features/blocks or thefeatures/blocks may be performed in differing orders. Additionally, themethods described herein may be repeated or performed in parallel withone another or in parallel with different instances of the same orsimilar methods.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:receiving, by a computer, a search input; selecting, by the computer, afirst cell within a matrix of cells in response to the search input,wherein each cell within the matrix of cells includes searchable data,the first cell is selected based upon the first cell includingsearchable data related to the search input, and the first cell furtherincludes a first link assigned a causal context relationship andproviding a navigation link from the first cell to a causal context cellcorresponding to the first cell, a second link assigned an inclusioncontextual relationship and providing a navigation link from the firstcell to an inclusion context cell corresponding to the first cell, athird link assigned a temporal contextual relationship and providing anavigation link from the first cell to a temporal context cellcorresponding to the first cell, and fourth link assigned a spatialcontextual relationship and providing a navigation link from the firstcell to a spatial context cell corresponding to the first cell;displaying, in response to the search input, a portion of the searchabledata of the first cell and first, second, third, and fourth selectableobjects, the first selectable object corresponding to the first link,the second selectable object corresponding to the second link, the thirdselectable object corresponding to the third link, and the fourthselectable object corresponding to the fourth link; receiving selectionof the first, second, third, or fourth of the plurality of selectableobjects; and utilizing the corresponding link to display a context cellcorresponding to the first cell, wherein selection of a first of theplurality of selectable objects results in the computer utilizing thefirst link to select and display the causal context cell correspondingto the first cell, the display of the causal context cell includingdisplaying a subject of the first cell as causing or influencing one ormore subjects of other cells or as being caused or influenced by one ormore subjects of other cells, wherein selection of a second of theplurality of selectable objects results in the computer utilizing thesecond link to select and display the inclusion context cellcorresponding to the first cell, the display of the inclusion contextcell including displaying the subject of the first cell within acategory along with subjects of other cells included within thecategory, wherein selection of a third of the plurality of selectableobjects results in the computer utilizing the third link to select anddisplay the temporal context cell corresponding to the first cell, thedisplay of the temporal context cell including displaying the subject ofthe first cell within a timeline along with subjects of other cells ofrelevance within the timeline, wherein selection of a fourth of theplurality of selectable objects results in the computer utilizing thefourth link to select and display the spatial context cell correspondingto the first cell, the display of the spatial context cell includingdisplaying a location corresponding to the subject of the first cellwithin a map, and when the received selection is of the first of theplurality of selectable objects, the method further comprising receivinga command to alter the zoom of the display of the corresponding portionof the data of the first cell and the first set of other data and, inresponse to the zoom command, adding or removing subjects that served asa cause of or influence upon the subject of the first cell, or adding orremoving subjects that were caused or influenced by the subject of thefirst cell.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thesearch input is a token comprising a barcode, matrix barcode, oralphanumeric string.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2,wherein the token defines a limited scope of the matrix of cells to bedisplayed.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein thetoken defines a contextual relationship view to be displayed for thedata of the first cell.
 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,further comprising: generating a token comprising a barcode, matrixbarcode, or alphanumeric string to serve as a search input and cause acomputer to display a contextual relationship view of the data of thefirst cell.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thematrix of cells is organized into groups of cells, each group of cellsrepresenting a field of knowledge, wherein the first cell is within afirst group of cells representing a first field of knowledge, andwherein the first cell is linked to a second cell within a second groupof cells representing a second, different field of knowledge.
 7. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: determiningthat a plurality of cells include data related to the search input;displaying a plurality of points of view, each of the plurality ofpoints of view corresponding to one of the plurality of cells includingdata related to the search input; and receiving a selection of a pointof view corresponding to a first field of knowledge, wherein theselection of the first cell is based upon the first cell including datarelated to the search input and the first cell corresponding to theselected point of view.
 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,further comprising: displaying a zoom level or contextual relationshipview for the data of the first cell based upon a compiled history for auser.
 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:prompting a user to select a second cell based upon a compiled historyfor the user, wherein the compiled history indicates that the user hasnot previously selected the second cell.
 10. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, further comprising: selecting a second cell withinthe matrix of cells; and determining a minimum path of connectionsbetween the first cell and the second cell.
 11. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein the data displayed in response to the searchinput or the selection of the first, second, third, or fourth selectableobjects includes selectable content, and wherein selection of theselectable content results in the computer displaying the data of asecond cell.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: generating a plurality of tokens representing a plurality ofcells within the matrix, contextual relationships, or zoom levels viewedby a user.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving user input to add a second cell within the matrixof cells or create a new link between two cells.
 14. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: maintainingcounters for one or more of (a) access of a cell, (b) access of one cellfrom another cell, (c) access of a group of cells, and (d) use of acontextual relationship of a cell; and determining to include data froma cell within the corresponding context cell based upon one or more ofthe counters.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring instructions that, when executed, cause a processing device toperform a method comprising: receiving a search input; selecting a firstcell within a matrix of cells in response to the search input, whereineach cell within the matrix of cells includes searchable data, the firstcell is selected based upon the first cell including searchable datarelated to the search input, and the first cell further includes a firstlink assigned a causal context relationship and providing a navigationlink from the first cell to a causal context cell corresponding to thefirst cell, a second link assigned an inclusion contextual relationshipand providing a navigation link from the first cell to an inclusioncontext cell corresponding to the first cell, a third link assigned atemporal contextual relationship and providing a navigation link fromthe first cell to a temporal context cell corresponding to the firstcell, and fourth link assigned a spatial contextual relationship andproviding a navigation link from the first cell to a spatial contextcell corresponding to the first cell; displaying, in response to thesearch input, a portion of the searchable data of the first cell andfirst, second, third, and fourth selectable objects, the firstselectable object corresponding to the first link, the second selectableobject corresponding to the second link, the third selectable objectcorresponding to the third link, and the fourth selectable objectcorresponding to the fourth link; receiving selection of the first,second, third, or fourth of the plurality of selectable objects; andutilizing the corresponding link to display a context cell correspondingto the first cell, wherein selection of a first of the plurality ofselectable objects results in the computer utilizing the first link toselect and display the causal context cell corresponding to the firstcell, the display of the causal context cell including displaying asubject of the first cell as causing or influencing one or more subjectsof other cells or as being caused or influenced by one or more subjectsof other cells, wherein selection of a second of the plurality ofselectable objects results in the computer utilizing the second link toselect and display the inclusion context cell corresponding to the firstcell, the display of the inclusion context cell including displaying thesubject of the first cell within a category along with subjects of othercells included within the category, wherein selection of a third of theplurality of selectable objects results in the computer utilizing thethird link to select and display the temporal context cell correspondingto the first cell, the display of the temporal context cell includingdisplaying the subject of the first cell within a timeline along withsubjects of other cells of relevance within the timeline, whereinselection of a fourth of the plurality of selectable objects results inthe computer utilizing the fourth link to select and display the spatialcontext cell corresponding to the first cell, the display of the spatialcontext cell including displaying a location corresponding to thesubject of the first cell within a map, and when the received selectionis of the first of the plurality of selectable objects, the methodfurther comprising receiving a command to alter the zoom of the displayof the corresponding portion of the data of the first cell and the firstset of other data and, in response to the zoom command, adding orremoving subjects that served as a cause of or influence upon thesubject of the first cell, or adding or removing subjects that werecaused or influenced by the subject of the first cell.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the searchinput is a token comprising a barcode, matrix barcode, or alphanumericstring.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16,wherein the token defines a limited scope of the matrix of cells to bedisplayed or a contextual relationship view to be displayed for the dataof the first cell.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processingdevice to perform a method further comprising: generating a tokencomprising a barcode, matrix barcode, or alphanumeric string to serve asa search input and cause the processing device to display a contextualrelationship view of the data of the first cell.
 19. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the matrix of cells isorganized into groups of cells, each group of cells representing a fieldof knowledge, wherein the first cell is within a first group of cellsrepresenting a first field of knowledge, and wherein the first cell islinked to a second cell within a second group of cells representing asecond, different field of knowledge.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the processing device to perform a method furthercomprising: determining that a plurality of cells include data relatedto the search input; displaying a plurality of points of view, each ofthe plurality of points of view corresponding to one of the plurality ofcells including data related to the search input; and receiving aselection of a point of view corresponding to a first field ofknowledge, wherein the selection of the first cell is based upon thefirst cell including data related to the search input and the first cellcorresponding to the selected point of view.
 21. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the processing device to perform a method furthercomprising: displaying a zoom level or contextual relationship view forthe data of the first cell based upon a compiled history for a user. 22.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein theinstructions, when executed, cause the processing device to perform amethod further comprising: prompting a user to select a different zoomlevel or a second cell based upon a compiled history for the user. 23.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein theinstructions, when executed, cause the processing device to perform amethod further comprising: selecting a second cell within the matrix ofcells; and determining a minimum path of connections between the firstcell and the second cell.
 24. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the data displayed in response to the searchinput or the selection of the first, second, third, or fourth selectableobjects includes selectable content, and wherein selection of theselectable content results in the processing device displaying the dataof a second cell.
 25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processingdevice to perform a method further comprising: generating a plurality oftokens representing a plurality of cells within the matrix, contextualrelationships, or zoom levels viewed by a user.
 26. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the processing device to perform a method furthercomprising: receiving user input to add a second cell within the matrixof cells or create a new link between two cells.
 27. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, cause the processing device to perform a method furthercomprising: maintaining counters for one or more of (a) access of acell, (b) access of one cell from another cell, (c) access of a group ofcells, and (d) use of a contextual relationship of a cell; anddetermining to include data from a cell within the corresponding contextcell based upon one or more of the counters.
 28. An apparatuscomprising: a processing device, wherein the processing device executesinstructions that cause the apparatus to receive a search input; selecta first cell within a matrix of cells in response to the search input,wherein each cell within the matrix of cells includes searchable data,the first cell is selected based upon the first cell includingsearchable data related to the search input, and the first cell furtherincludes a first link assigned a causal context relationship andproviding a navigation link from the first cell to a causal context cellcorresponding to the first cell, a second link assigned an inclusioncontextual relationship and providing a navigation link from the firstcell to an inclusion context cell corresponding to the first cell, athird link assigned a temporal contextual relationship and providing anavigation link from the first cell to a temporal context cellcorresponding to the first cell, and fourth link assigned a spatialcontextual relationship and providing a navigation link from the firstcell to a spatial context cell corresponding to the first cell; display,in response to the search input, a portion of the searchable data of thefirst cell and first, second, third, and fourth selectable objects, thefirst selectable object corresponding to the first link, the secondselectable object corresponding to the second link, the third selectableobject corresponding to the third link, and the fourth selectable objectcorresponding to the fourth link; receive selection of the first,second, third, or fourth of the plurality of selectable objects; andutilize the corresponding link to display a context cell correspondingto the first cell, wherein selection of a first of the plurality ofselectable objects results in the computer utilizing the first link toselect and display the causal context cell corresponding to the firstcell, the display of the causal context cell including displaying asubject of the first cell as causing or influencing one or more subjectsof other cells or as being caused or influenced by one or more subjectsof other cells, wherein selection of a second of the plurality ofselectable objects results in the computer utilizing the second link toselect and display the inclusion context cell corresponding to the firstcell, the display of the inclusion context cell including displaying thesubject of the first cell within a category along with subjects of othercells included within the category, wherein selection of a third of theplurality of selectable objects results in the computer utilizing thethird link to select and display the temporal context cell correspondingto the first cell, the display of the temporal context cell includingdisplaying the subject of the first cell within a timeline along withsubjects of other cells of relevance within the timeline, whereinselection of a fourth of the plurality of selectable objects results inthe computer utilizing the fourth link to select and display the spatialcontext cell corresponding to the first cell, the display of the spatialcontext cell including displaying a location corresponding to thesubject of the first cell within a map, and when the received selectionis of the first of the plurality of selectable objects, the methodfurther comprising receiving a command to alter the zoom of the displayof the corresponding portion of the data of the first cell and the firstset of other data and, in response to the zoom command, adding orremoving subjects that served as a cause of or influence upon thesubject of the first cell, or adding or removing subjects that werecaused or influenced by the subject of the first cell.
 29. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving asecond selection of a first, second, third, or fourth of the pluralityof selectable objects, different from the previously received selection;and displaying, in response to the received second selection, acorresponding portion of the searchable data of the first cell with datafrom one or more other cells that is related to the correspondingportion.